In the post-match press conference following the Stormers' 42-21 Investec Champions Cup victory over Stade Rochelais, coach John Dobson said the team started forcing passes when the game felt "too easy" but praised his side's overall performance and character.
Dobson noted that after a strong start, the team became “loose” and forced passes, allowing the understrength La Rochelle side back into the game temporarily. He views this as a learning experience in game management.
“I thought we were so energised at the start and so good, and it just felt like we got seduced into it being too easy. To produce the intensity that we started that game with was really good for us. However, it was a learning experience, and we had to manage that game better at the 15-to-20-minute mark.”
“Credit to La Rochelle, they fought hard, and that was a learning experience for us in terms of managing that part of the game.”
He lauded the performances of young players like Man of the Match Paul de Villiers and flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, emphasising the growing depth of the squad, which allowed them to field a competitive team even with several Springboks rested.
“It took some moments from Paul or Sacha to bail us out. That was a little bit frustrating that we got ourselves in that position.”
“Paul is very, very special. Two years ago, he was getting cleaned out all the time, and now he’s like a limpet. His decision-making is outstanding, and it’s great to see how he’s grown.”
Dobson expressed admiration for how seriously his team is taking the Champions Cup, respecting the competition's history and showing a desire to buy into its prestige, in contrast to some teams that rotate heavily.
The comprehensive win, which maintained the Stormers' unbeaten run for the season (8 consecutive wins), has Dobson believing the team can start “dreaming” of going deep into the Champions Cup tournament, aiming for a home playoff.
“We want to be part of this tournament. South African teams don’t have a great record in it, and we feel we’ve got an opportunity.”
“Performances like this give us belief, but we also know we have to be better. I think we can start to dream about getting deeper into this tournament than we have got before.”
Despite the dominant scoreline, Dobson stated the performance wasn't perfect and served as a “reality check” that they must be better to compete with the top South African opposition in the URC.
“We have to get the stuff right, and it is no use just talking about it in the week. We know that performance against Stade Rochelais doesn’t beat a fired-up Lions team in Cape Town or a Bulls team.”
“The Lions rested several key players for the upcoming match, and Dobson knows that the intensity will be a big factor. We had a good look at them as coaches. We know that Henco van Wyk gets the best contact metres, we know about Quan’s Horn linebreaks, and we know about their efficacy at the breakdown.”
“The Lions made their intentions clear that they want to rest and prepare for this game. I promise we won’t be lacking intensity.”